Cradle to Cradle in the electronics industry – for a positive footprint

If there is one negative example of valuable resources being treated like junk, it is probably the electronics industry. The Cradle to Cradle NGO has therefore set itself the goal of firmly establishing the waste-free design concept in consumer electronics. This allows economic success, innovation, and social responsibility to go hand in hand.

The electronics industry is still largely characterized by “disposable production”: items that break are often irreparable. Countless different connectors are available on the market, causing an unnecessary glut of cables – the EU has now responded to this issue. Innovations at record speed are leading users to buy new devices even though their old ones are still fully functional. Manufacturers offered a variety of incentives for this. However, the past few years have shown that many companies have begun to rethink their approach.

C2C SUSTAINABILITY PARTNER AT THE IFA

That’s why we’re delighted that the Cradle to Cradle NGO was the official sustainability partner of this year’s International Consumer Electronics Fair (IFA) in Berlin. This shows that the electronics industry as a whole has recognized the signs of the times. It is ready to take the next step toward true material cycles. Smartphone manufacturers such as Shift and TV manufacturers such as Philips are among the companies that are making their production circular or have very early taken the first steps in this direction.

Together with representatives of the C2C NGO, I had the opportunity to hold many discussions at the IFA with company representatives from the industry who are approaching the topic and want to produce in a recyclable manner. We showed how consumer electronics can already be designed in this way today – and thus leave a positive footprint.

POSITION PAPER ON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

In our position paper on consumer electronics, we have identified what needs to be changed in order to consider resources, health, other social aspects, and digitalization together. The most important principle is that if waste is produced, there is a design flaw. Only when all components of a product are recyclable can it be considered good quality. In the case of electronic devices, this means that the housing, battery, cables, and all other components must be recyclable. This will certainly require further materials research and practical recycling options, but also a different way of thinking. Our position paper already highlights a number of best practices — i.e., companies that have already set out on this path.

One example: structurally, it can help achieve a breakthrough if a product does not change hands. It remains the property of the manufacturer, who then only uses materials that can be reused. And they are installed in such a way that they can be separated by type. The user of the device only purchases the service. This concept is called “product as a service.” The Lorenz company, for example, manufactures water meters that are produced in such a way that they can be reconditioned and reused after a prescribed replacement period. This is how Lorenz, a family-owned company founded in 1963, has successfully maintained its position in the market.

Please find here the C2C position paper “Consumer Electronics & Cradle to Cradle”